Manna for Your Morning

Mary responded, “Oh, how my soul praises the Lord. How my spirit rejoices in God my Savior!”  — Luke 1:46-47 (NLT) “For the Mighty One is holy, and he has done great things for me. He shows mercy from generation to generation to all who fear him. His mighty arm has done tremendous things! He has scattered the proud and haughty ones. He has brought down princes from their thrones and exalted the humble.” (Luke 1:49-52 NLT) The LORD is my strength and my shield; My heart trusted in Him, and I am helped;
 Therefore my heart greatly rejoices, and with my song I will praise Him. (Psalms 28:7 NKJV) Be glad in Yahweh and rejoice, you righteous ones; And shout for joy, all you who are upright in heart. (Psalms 32:11 LSB) “I will proclaim the name of the LORD; how glorious is our God! He is the Rock; his deeds are perfect. Everything he does is just and fair. He is a faithful God who does no wrong; how just and upright he is!” — Deuteronomy 32:3-4 (NLT)

“My fellow believers, when it seems as though you are facing nothing but difficulties, see it as an invaluable opportunity to experience the greatest joy that you can! For you know that when your faith is tested it stirs up in you the power of endurance. And then as your endurance grows even stronger, it will release perfection into every part of your being until there is nothing missing and nothing lacking.” — James (Jacob) 1:2-4 (TPT) Let us endure hardship, and run with endurance the race that is set before us. ...looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. (Hebrews 12:2 NASB1995) And we know [with great confidence] that God [who is deeply concerned about us] causes all things to work together [as a plan] for good for those who love God, to those who are called according to His plan and purpose. (Romans 8:28 AMP)

So then it does not depend on the man who wills or the man who runs, but on God who has mercy. For the Scripture says to Pharaoh, “For this very purpose I raised you up, to demonstrate My power in you, and that My name might be proclaimed throughout the whole earth.” — Romans 9:16-17 (NASB1995) In all situations and circumstances, may the name of the LORD God be lifted up. Instead of promoting our own names or the name of our favorite personality, let us declare the name of YAHWEH. He is El Elyon, the Most High God, above all others. I will proclaim the name of the LORD; how glorious is our God! He is the Rock; his deeds are perfect. Everything he does is just and fair. He is a faithful God who does no wrong; how just and upright he is! (Deuteronomy 32:3-4 NLT) He is Elohim, the Creator of all. He chose us to be a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God’s own possession, so that we may proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called us out of darkness into His marvelous ligh...

We are merely moving shadows, and all our busy rushing ends in nothing. We heap up wealth, not knowing who will spend it. And so, Lord, where do I put my hope? My only hope is in you. — Psalm 39:6-7 (NLT) “Lord, remind me how brief my time on earth will be. Remind me that my days are numbered— how fleeting my life is. You have made my life no longer than the width of my hand. My entire lifetime is just a moment to you; at best, each of us is but a breath.” Interlude (Psalm 39:4-5 NLT) Worldly wealth and material possessions will not last forever. Put your hope in the everlasting God, now and always. He is our Savior, Redeemer and Defender. His love for us never fails, it is as vast as the heavens and His faithfulness reaches beyond the clouds. (See Psalm 36:5) We put our hope in the LORD. He is our help and our shield. In him our hearts rejoice, for we trust in his holy name. (Psalm 33:20-21) So be strong and courageous, all you who put your hope in the LORD! (See Psalm 31:23 NLT) Don’...

Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we will remember and trust in the name of the LORD our God. — Psalm 20:7 (AMP) Always remember and trust in the name of the LORD our God. For the Eternal will be a shelter for those who know misery, a refuge during troubling times. (Psalm 9:9 VOICE) And those who know Your name [who have experienced Your precious mercy] will put their confident trust in You, for You, O LORD, have not abandoned those who seek You. (Psalm 9:10 AMP) I will boast only in the LORD; let all who are helpless take heart. (Psalm 34:2 NLT) Our help comes from the LORD, who made heaven and earth! (See Psalm 121:2) He is Elohim, our Creator, the all-powerful One who created the universe. Rely on Adonai, our majestic Lord and the owner of our lives. Trust in the name of the God Most High. He reigns supreme over all. He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. (See 1 Corinthians 15:57) Amen.

My fellow believers, when it seems as though you are facing nothing but difficulties, see it as an invaluable opportunity to experience the greatest joy that you can! For you know that when your faith is tested it stirs up in you the power of endurance. — James 1:2-3 (TPT) In the midst of distress and difficulties, stand strong in faith. If your faith remains strong, even while surrounded by life’s difficulties, you will continue to experience the untold blessings of God! True happiness comes as you pass the test with faith, and receive the victorious crown of life promised to every lover of God! (James 1:12 TPT)

“But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and remind you of everything I have told you.” — John 14:26 (CSB)  “I’m leaving you well and whole. That’s my parting gift to you. Peace. I don’t leave you the way you’re used to being left—feeling abandoned, bereft. So don’t be upset. Don’t be distraught.” — John 14:27 MSG In John 14:18 (NKJV) Jesus told His disciples, “ I will not leave you orphans …” He said, “ I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may be with you forever; ” (John 14:16 NASB) We have the Holy Spirit, our Helper and Counselor. He is always with us. Seek His help and counsel. He is the Spirit of truth (John 14:17) Rely on His wisdom. He is at work in every Believer to bring about the perfect will of God. Whatever we accomplish for the glory of God is not by might nor by power, but by His Spirit. (Zechariah 4:6)

O Israel, return to the LORD your God, for you have stumbled because of your iniquity; — Hosea 14:1 (NKJV) This morning, as I read Hosea 14:1, the cry of my heart was for America to return to the LORD our God. For there is no savior besides the LORD (Hosea 13:4). There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death. (Proverbs 14:12)  Our culture has so many distractions, that steal our affections away from our heavenly Father, but He is always calling us back to Him, with His loving arms wide open. Let us prioritize His Presence, and treasure His Word in our hearts. “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways, and My thoughts than your thoughts.” (Isaiah 55:9)

“I am the Vine; you are the branches. The one who remains in Me and I in him bears much fruit, for [otherwise] apart from Me [that is, cut off from vital union with Me] you can do nothing.” — John 15:5 (AMP) What good news! We don’t have to do it alone. Whatever you are trying to accomplish in this life, staying connected to Jesus is paramount (more important than anything else). Apart from Him, we can do nothing of lasting value. Our union with Him is vital to our lives and our health (spiritual, physical and mental health). But now that you’ve found you don’t have to listen to sin tell you what to do, and have discovered the delight of listening to God telling you, what a surprise! A whole, healed, put-together life right now, with more and more of life on the way! Work hard for sin your whole life and your pension is death. But God’s gift is real life, eternal life, delivered by Jesus, our Master. (Romans 6:22-23 MSG)

Let love be your highest goal! But you should also desire the special abilities the Spirit gives—especially the ability to prophesy. — 1 Corinthians 14:1 (NLT) The Message Bible says, go after a life of love as if your life depended on it—because it does  (1 Corinthians 14:1a). Love never fails. (1 Corinthians 13:8, NKJV). That means no matter what the other person does, we continue to walk in love, no conditions, no strings attached, when they are doing what we want them to and even when they are not. This is the kind of love God lavishes upon us. This relentless love is what held Jesus to the cross. And now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love (1 Corinthians 13:13). Love extravagantly!

The Lord says: “These people come near to me with their mouth and honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me. Their worship of me is based on merely human rules they have been taught.” — Isaiah 29:13 (NIV) These people were going to church and saying the right things, but God did not have their hearts. After being asked which is the most important commandment? Jesus said to him, “ ‘You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ ” (Matthew 22:37 NKJV) Won’t you give Him your heart today?

If people can’t see what God is doing, they stumble all over themselves; But when they attend to what he reveals, they are most blessed. — Proverbs 29:18 (MSG) Revelation comes from God as we diligently seek Him and spend time in His Word. May we take our eyes off of ourselves and the distractions of this world, and pursue our God-given purpose and destiny. Everlasting happiness, contentment and true fulfillment reside in those who have embraced the wisdom of God and live in His will.

LORD, how they have increased who trouble me! Many are they who rise up against me. Many are they who say of me, “There is no help for him in God.” Selah  But You, O LORD, are a shield for me, my glory and the One who lifts up my head. — Psalm 3:1-3 (NKJV) No matter how hopeless the situation seems, in God, our hope is alive and we have the victory! He is our Helper. The LORD is a shield that surrounds us on all sides. As we abide in Him, our heavenly Father is our protective shield. And He will lift our heads up above our enemies all around us; (Psalm 27:6).

We have come to bring you the Good News that you should turn from these worthless things and turn to the living God, who made heaven and earth, the sea, and everything in them. — Acts 14:15 (NLT) The things of this world are of no value, when compared to the high privilege of knowing Christ Jesus. The Apostle Paul suffered the loss of all things, and counted them as rubbish in order to gain Christ (Philippians 3:8). Invest your time, energy and resources into the Kingdom of God. Store your treasures in heaven, where moths and rust cannot destroy, and thieves do not break in and steal. Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be (Matthew 6:20-21).

I'm leaving you well and whole. That's my parting gift to you. Peace. I don't leave you the way you're used to being left—feeling abandoned, bereft. So don't be upset. Don't be distraught. John 14:27 (The Message) Jesus, the Prince of Peace, left us with the lasting gift of His peace. If you are worried, upset and distressed, you have allowed the enemy to steal your peace. Let the peace of Christ rule in your minds and hearts. A heart at peace gives life to the body (Proverbs 14:30). In the midst of any storm, we can experience God's peace, which transcends all understanding (Philippians 4:7). He gives His peace at all times and in every way. Amen.

The LORD is gracious and righteous; our God is full of compassion. The LORD protects the simplehearted; when I was in great need, he saved me. Be at rest once more, O my soul, for the LORD has been good to you. Psalm 116:5-7 (NIV) In times of great need call on the LORD. He is full compassion and grace. Let your soul rest in peace for the LORD is good. He will deliver you from your distress. Praise the LORD! Love, Jackie

"I am very discouraged, and I was pouring out my heart to the LORD. Don't think I am a wicked woman! For I have been praying out of great anguish and sorrow." "In that case," Eli said, "go in peace! May the God of Israel grant the request you have asked of him." "Oh thank you, sir!" she exclaimed. Then she went back and began to eat again, and she was no longer sad. 1 Samuel 1:15-18 (NLT) In the Scripture above, Hannah is distressed because she was barren. However, the LORD heard the cry of her heart and gave her a son. If you are discouraged, pour your heart out to the LORD. Once Eli the priest, spoke a word of hope to Hannah, she was no longer sad. Today, we can put our hope and faith in the words of Jesus. In Mark 11:24, Jesus says, "whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours." Amen. Love, Jackie